RNC investigating Hells Angels connection to shooting, car fire

The chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says a Friday night drive-by shooting and a car fire the night before may be connected to drug crime in the city.

The shooting happened on Dauntless Street in the St. John's subdivision of Kenmount Terrace. Chief Robert Johnston said two homes and three vehicles were damaged, but no one was injured.

One of those homes was targeted, but Johnston said the perpetrators targeted the wrong house.

The car fire happened overnight Thursday on Hamilton Avenue, causing extensive damage to the vehicle and the exterior of the home.

Johnston said police believe both incidents are connected to efforts by the Hells Angels to get established in St. John's.

He said the RNC is using violence suppression tactics following Friday's incident.

The weapon recovered on Friday is an assault weapon, but Johnston declined to offer further details about what type it is.

Police believe a silver or grey vehicle may have been involved in the shooting.

For more on this story, read Tuesday's edition of The Telegram.

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(Earlier story)

Resident ‘freaked’ by shots fired in subdivision

No injuries from Friday night incident; RNC looking for witnesses

A mother with a young child living in a typically quiet St. John’s subdivision was “freaked” to hear the sound of shots being fired from a gun late Friday evening.

“I wish there was a bit more information, because all this talk about it being random, to me is really scary,” said the woman, who did not want her name to be published. “I felt really safe. I felt like I was in a good neighbourhood, and it’s really frightening.”

The incident happened on Dauntless Street in the Kenmount Terrace subdivision. Gun shots struck multiple vehicles and a house on the street, according to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Police have recovered a weapon, which has only been described as a firearm, but no arrests were made as of Sunday. The RNC believes a silver or grey car that may be a Honda was involved in the incident.

According to the woman who spoke with The Telegram on Sunday, there have been rumours making there way through the neighbourhood of people involved in “gang activity” living on Dauntless Street. She said those people generally keep to themselves.

“On our street ... we’ve never had any issues,” said the woman, who does not live on Dauntless Street but in a nearby home.

Kenmount Terrace is located just west of Kelsey Drive and is represented by Ward 4 Coun. Debbie Hanlon at city hall.

“As a ward councillor, of course I’m concerned, but as a resident I’m also concerned,” said Hanlon, who emphasized that people should not jump to conclusions and instantly fear for their safety given the whole story has not been told concerning Friday’s incident.

“I know from the meetings that we’ve had with the RNC in the past that for a city our size, we’re one of the safest in Canada,” she said. “I would like to wait for a police investigation and report on the alleged shots.”

Hanlon describes Kenmount Terrace as a nice neighbourhood with lots of caring young families.

While Hanlon says people in the area should not let fear take hold of them, the woman who spoke with The Telegram says it will definitely change how she approaches moving around the area.

“I was sitting here on the couch alone with my (child). If it was my house, or I had decided to go for a walk. ... It was a nice evening. I spent most of (Saturday) away from the house, and I came home at about 7:30 p.m., and I kind of didn’t want to. I didn’t like that feeling.”

She has lived in other parts of Canada and the United States, but says she has never experienced the sort of eerie feelings in those places like she does now in Kenmount Terrace. “It’s really spooky. You don’t expect this stuff to happen here.”

With that said, she expects such feelings will eventually subside.

“I’m sure with time that will pass. I just hope they catch them and they don’t have a good time while they’re in jail.”

Hanlon said the city will be prepared to set up a meeting with area residents and the police if it’s deemed necessary.

RNC investigators with the major crime unit are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed Friday’s incident.